The Criminal Justice - Associate in Science program will prepare students for positions in various criminal justice fields (e.g., policing, advocacy, and corrections) or to pursue further education at a four-year institution. This program provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the principles, practices, and ethical considerations of the criminal justice system. This interdisciplinary curriculum equips students with the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for addressing contemporary criminal justice issues. Students will also have multiple opportunities to engage with professionals in the various fields of the criminal justice system. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system.
2. Analyze and interpret key legal principles, statutes, and ethics relevant to criminal justice, including constitutional rights, criminal law, and procedural law.
3. Apply critical thinking skills to assess criminal behavior, evaluate evidence, and propose solutions to real-world criminal justice issues.
4. Exhibit effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally with diverse populations.
5. Understand the impact of cultural diversity on the criminal justice system.
6. Develop strategies for fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the diverse communities they serve.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of career opportunities in criminal justice and the skills necessary for successful employment in the field.

Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
General Education Requirements
CJUS 2020	The Science of Solving Crimes	4
COMM 1010	Communication Fundamentals^ HUMN; Non-Written Communications; Social and Professional Responsibilities	3
HMNS 1010	Introduction to Helping and Human Services	3
ENGL 1010	Composition I (or ENGL 1010A) HUMN; Written Communication; Information Literacy	3
Select ONE of the following:		3-4
MATH 1139	Mathematics for Liberal Arts Students (or MATH 1139C) MSCI; Scientific Reasoning; Quantitative Literacy
MATH 1240	Statistical Analysis I MSCI; Scientific Reasoning; Quantitative Literacy
POLS 1010	American Government and Politics SSCI; Critical Thinking; Social and Professional Responsibilities	3
PSYC 2010	General Psychology SSCI; Critical Thinking; Scientific Reasoning	4
SOCS 1010	General Sociology SSCI; Information Literacy; Diverse Perspectives	3
SOCS 2300	Criminology SSCI; Critical Thinking; Information Literacy	3
Select ONE of the following:		3
SOCS 2040	Race and Ethnic Relations SSCI; Critical Thinking; Diverse Perspectives
SOCS 2350	Social Deviance SSCI; Critical Thinking; Diverse Perspectives
Subtotal		32-33
Major Education Requirements
CJUS 1000	Policing in Contemporary America^	3
CJUS 1010	Exploring Criminal Justice^	3
CJUS 1020	Criminal Procedure^	3
COMM 2010	Persuasion	3
HMNS 2202	Mental Health and Wellness	3
LAWS 1010	Criminal Law	3
SPAN 1210	Spanish for Human Services Personnel I	3
Select ONE of the following:		3
CJUS 2310	Introduction to Corrections
SOCS 2320	Juvenile Delinquency and Justice
Select ONE of the following:		3
BUSN 1015	Business Computing Applications
COMI 1300	Introduction to Data Analytics
Select TWO of the following:		6-7
HMNS 1040	Drugs and Human Behavior
HMNS 1130	Introduction to Interpersonal Violence
HMNS 2110	Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
Subtotal		33-34
Total Hours		65-67

^

Work-based learning course

Recommended Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Semester 1		Hours
CJUS 1000	Policing in Contemporary America^	3
CJUS 1010	Exploring Criminal Justice^	3
ENGL 1010	Composition I (or ENGL 1010A)	3
Choose ONE of the following:		3-4
MATH 1139	Mathematics for Liberal Arts Students (or MATH 1139C)
MATH 1240	Statistical Analysis I
SOCS 1010	General Sociology	3
	Hours	15-16
Semester 2
COMM 1010	Communication Fundamentals^	3
CJUS 1020	Criminal Procedure^	3
HMNS 1010	Introduction to Helping and Human Services	3
LAWS 1010	Criminal Law	3
POLS 1010	American Government and Politics	3
	Hours	15
Year 2
Semester 1
CJUS 2020	The Science of Solving Crimes	4
COMM 2010	Persuasion	3
SOCS 2300	Criminology	3
PSYC 2010	General Psychology	4
Choose ONE of the following:		3
SOCS 2040	Race and Ethnic Relations
SOCS 2350	Social Deviance
	Hours	17
Semester 2
HMNS 2202	Mental Health and Wellness	3
Choose ONE of the following:		3
BUSN 1015	Business Computing Applications
COMI 1300	Introduction to Data Analytics
Choose TWO of the following:		6-7
HMNS 1040	Drugs and Human Behavior
HMNS 1130	Introduction to Interpersonal Violence
HMNS 2110	Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
Choose ONE of the following:		3
CJUS 2310	Introduction to Corrections
SOCS 2320	Juvenile Delinquency and Justice
SPAN 1210	Spanish for Human Services Personnel I	3
	Hours	18-19
	Total Hours	65-67

^

Work-based learning course

Transfer

Please meet with an Academic Advisor/Student Success Coach if you are interested in earning a bachelor's degree. Your Academic Advisor will help you select the courses that best prepare you for transfer to a four-year college or university.

Check out the Joint Admissions Agreement if you are interested in transferring to Rhode Island College or the University of Rhode Island. The JAA program offers seamless transfer to RIC or URI with additional benefits. Transfer information, events, and articulations are available on the Transfer Center website.